One of the best reviews I've read on the new american epic. I sort of get Richard Brody's take that it's "an idea of a movie about ideas" but even if I fully agreed with that how many movies nowadays don't have a single idea? You wrote so wonderfully here about all that succinctly, great work!
Thanks! I waffled on including that stuff, but it felt important. I've seen people dismiss Corbet's intention of simply depicting a historical reality and allowing, to a wider degree than some other filmmakers, the audience to think through the complications and contradications of that history. My personal connection has, I think, allowed me to see the value in that approach.
I am not often compelled to leave comments to articles, but I want to say that this piece is a masterclass in critical analysis. Your research on the historical "brutalist" origins behind the narrative was illuminating, and you offered numerous insights into the subtleties of character and thematic development that I missed on a first viewing. You provided me with several "aha" moments I would not have arrived at on my own about the myriad themes and metaphors Corbet and Fastvold were exploring in the story. This was the rare review that truly put in the effort to understand the scope of the filmmaker's intentions as well as evaluating the execution; and while clearly a fan of the film, acknowledging it was not a flawless effort. I saw this on a streamer, and your review has convinced me I must give the film it's due and go see it in the theater to better appreciate it on second viewing (and properly experience the glorious cinematography). Thank you for a truly enlightening--and emotionally moving--read.
Thank you so much, that’s so kind of you. And I hope you enjoy it in a theatre. The opening sequence hits way harder. Just the loudness and deep bass you get from a movie theatre sound system, it like shakes you.
One of the best reviews I've read on the new american epic. I sort of get Richard Brody's take that it's "an idea of a movie about ideas" but even if I fully agreed with that how many movies nowadays don't have a single idea? You wrote so wonderfully here about all that succinctly, great work!
Thanks so much!
The way you contextualized the whole film in connection with your own family really opened up the second half of the film for me.
Thanks! I waffled on including that stuff, but it felt important. I've seen people dismiss Corbet's intention of simply depicting a historical reality and allowing, to a wider degree than some other filmmakers, the audience to think through the complications and contradications of that history. My personal connection has, I think, allowed me to see the value in that approach.
Great piece, great movie
Thanks!
I am not often compelled to leave comments to articles, but I want to say that this piece is a masterclass in critical analysis. Your research on the historical "brutalist" origins behind the narrative was illuminating, and you offered numerous insights into the subtleties of character and thematic development that I missed on a first viewing. You provided me with several "aha" moments I would not have arrived at on my own about the myriad themes and metaphors Corbet and Fastvold were exploring in the story. This was the rare review that truly put in the effort to understand the scope of the filmmaker's intentions as well as evaluating the execution; and while clearly a fan of the film, acknowledging it was not a flawless effort. I saw this on a streamer, and your review has convinced me I must give the film it's due and go see it in the theater to better appreciate it on second viewing (and properly experience the glorious cinematography). Thank you for a truly enlightening--and emotionally moving--read.
Thank you so much, that’s so kind of you. And I hope you enjoy it in a theatre. The opening sequence hits way harder. Just the loudness and deep bass you get from a movie theatre sound system, it like shakes you.